SRINAGAR: The Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India issued a notification on Thursday declaring the Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party (JKDFP) as an unlawful association with immediate effect.
The notification stated that the JKDFP was formed in 1998 by Shabir Ahmad Shah, a prominent separatist leader known for his anti-India and pro-Pakistan propaganda. Shah had called Kashmir a ‘dispute’ and ruled out any settlement within the framework of the Indian constitution.
“The members of JKDFP have been at the forefront of secessionist activities in Jammu and Kashmir and want to create a separate Islamic state, the notification said. The leader and members of JKDFP have also been involved in raising funds through various sources including Pakistan and its proxy organizations to support terrorist activities and stone pelting on security forces in the state,” it reads.
The activities of JKDFP show sheer disrespect towards the constitutional authority and setup of India, the notification said. The party and its members, especially Shah, have been indulging in unlawful activities prejudicial to the integrity, sovereignty, security and communal harmony of the country, it said.
There have also been several inputs showing linkages between JKDFP and banned terrorist organizations. The party has been involved in violent terrorist activities to create fear and endanger public order. Its anti-national activities show disrespect to the constitutional authority of India.
“The central government is of the opinion that if JKDFP is not curbed immediately, it will escalate its secessionist activities, advocate secession of Jammu and Kashmir, attempt to destabilize the state government, and continue propagating anti-national sentiments to cause disaffection against India,” reads the notification.
Therefore, in the interest of security and public order, the Central Government has declared JKDFP an unlawful association for a period of five years under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
